"Practising with my friend Tomeu Salvà! :) "Psst ... don't tell Toni, Rafa. He thinks you're just doing gym work. But then he was suggesting that "we" may play a clay tournament, but obviously he just meant that "he" - maybe one day he'll say "me" and "Rafa" and not merge the two into the Royal "we", it's so tiresome - anyhow "he" is in Stuttgart ... and Rafa's not.
But is he is actually on the court yet? Let's wait and see.
Interesting how Rafa is contradicting his uncle -- maybe he is getting tired of his fame whore comments. As always, Toni is drawing attention to himself in Stuttgart, making comments.
ReplyDeleteSeveral fans present at the Wimbledon match tell us Toni derided Rafa throughout his play and seemed extremely dissatisfied. His comments after the match were harsh as well, saying that Rafa didn't try hard enough or didn't want it, and implied that nothing physically hindered Rafa. Rafa politely demurred and noted that, "It is not necessary to agree with my uncle."
ReplyDeleteI suspect that, after play, angry words were exchanged in the locker room. Rafa certainly showed up at the presser very defensive and grim.
My private reading, for what it's worth, is that Toni and Rafa had a serious difference of opinion about his condition in that match and that Rafa decided some distance between them was necessary. He certainly went back home to Manacor via Barcelona and the doctors, whilst Toni stayed for public appearances in W'don and Stuttgart, a tournament which he expressly stated Rafa would attend. [But, as you noted, Rafa didn't.]
Rafa could have worn long pants over those knee tapes, but he chose to exhibit them very publicly. And while Toni told the world that Rafa was working out only in the gym, Rafa posted pics of himself on a hard court, with racquet and balls nearby, and with his old doubles partner after hitting practice. His captions were also clear that he was practicing on court.
I will be happier when Toni reverts to coaching, eschews public statements, and recognizes that his nephew is an adult capable of making his own decisions and choices.
Vamos, Rafa!